Description

A well-trained athlete may develop cardiomegaly due to ventricular hypertrophy. This can be distinguished from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by careful evaluation of the electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. This can be important in identifying the athlete with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who is at risk for sudden death.


 

Feature

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Athletic Heart

left ventricular septal wall thickness

> 15 mm

< 15 mm

diameter of left atrium

> 4 cm

< 4 cm

left ventricular end diastolic diameter

< 45 mm

> 45 mm

left ventricular hypertrophy

asymmetric, and does not regress

concentric, and regresses within 3 months after training stops

diastolic function

abnormal, with impaired relaxation

normal

systolic function

hyperdynamic

 

ECG voltage increase due to increased left ventricular mass

present

present

other ECG findings

very abnormal

normal

 


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.